The mountains were rocking last month, with the sights and sounds that the Emu Heights area has never experienced before. Emu Heights Public School celebrated their 50th Anniversary with two events, both totally different on Friday 9th September and Saturday 10th September.

The first event (held on the Friday) was a family/community event. Uncertainty reigned all day due to the weather, but the Gods looked favourably at the school as the skies cleared like magic and the event proceeded under a rainbow of happiness. The event commenced with Elina Roberts-Turner entertaining a crowd that edged towards 1,000 people.

A movie followed and Lightyear took over! The countdown to the fireworks was next and it filled the night sky with colour and noise, like never seen before, to the screams of excitement from all in attendance. Combine this with food vans, popcorn, fairy floss and glowing items to provide lifelong memories for both young and old.

Other highlights of the day were a special 70´s assembly, where the school’s oval was named Bendell Oval. This was in recognition of Keith Bendell´s long serving commitment to working at the school. Also, a time capsule was opened, and a 50-year time capsule placed to be opened in 2072.

The Saturday evening was a bit more subtle, with 100 people attending a sit-down dinner at Emu Sports Club.

Teachers, students, parents, and the community from the school´s past 50 years attended. The memories and stories were many and the monster 50-year raffle was drawn to the sound of Happy Birthday as the 50-year cake was cut.

The events could not have occurred without the support of Jim Aitken + Partners, Outback Steakhouse, Underground Coffee, Lamrocks Solicitors and Kennards Hire. The work of the P&C, staff, organising committee and other volunteers was tireless and the main reason that a dream became a reality.

In the words of the movie, Field of Dreams, ´build it and they will come´ and come they did!